Slow-cooker Asian ribs: This recipe packs all the flavor of P.F. Chang's version

Get the latest from TODAY

Apart from P.F. Chang's famous lettuce wraps, customers across the country can't get enough of the restaurant's Northern-Style Spare Ribs. With a sweet and spicy dry rub and tender, fall-off-the-bone flavor, it's no wonder everyone loves them. And if you have a slow cooker, you'll really love how easy it is to make this riff on them at home.

Casey Barber

The secret to these restaurant-worthy ribs? Chinese five spice powder, a peppery blend that includes cloves and star anise for aromatic heat. The spice mix is widely available in better grocery stores and specialty kitchen stores as well as online. (Pro tip: Replace half the cinnamon in your favorite cookie recipes with Chinese five spice powder for a surprising new treat!)

If you like your ribs slathered in sauce, serve them with an Asian-inspired barbecue sauce for the best of both worlds. Dunk 'em in or just pick 'em up and chow down!